Cities and urban centres in Qatar cover the
country's landscape from south to north. Since nearly all urban
centres embrace the sea, sea heritage is still indelibly
imprinted on them, despite the profound changes that have almost
transformed every aspect of life in the country.Doha

Doha, capital of Qatar, the seat of
government and the main commercial and financial institutions,
is situated halfway along the east coast of the Qatar peninsula.

Doha has a large commercial seaport
and an international airport which link the country to the rest
of the world. About 80% of Qatar's population live in Doha.

Modern life facilities such as public gardens and
parks, luxurious hotels and shopping centers make a short visit
to the city an unforgettable experience.

Cultural life in Doha has undergone a notable boost in the last
few years.
Doha Cultural
Festival, Qatar
Summer Wonders and Doha
Book Fair, to name just a few cultural events, are regionally
recgonized as annual events. Qatar
Masters and other
international sports
events are being hosted on a regular basis in Doha as well.

Several public libraries have flourished in recent years in
addition to the Qatar National
Library.

Among Doha's outstanding landmarks are the Qatar National
Museum, the Corniche
as well as the popular Souqs which still maintain with their old
traditional features.

Doha's largest
suburbs are Khalifa Town and Al Rayyan. The latter has a
population of 100,000 people. It is distinguished by its old
palaces with Arabesque and unique architectural designs.

Mesaieed

Mesaieed, the major industrial city in the county, whose
existence has been associated with the discovery of oil, lies
approximately 45 km south of Doha on the east coast.

The city accommodates many large industries such as NODCO's Oil
Refinery, QAFCO's Fertiliser Complex, QAPCO's Petrochemical
Complex, QGPC's NGL Plant, QASCO's Steel Mill, QALCO's
Lubricating Oils Facility, and the QAFAC Plant. Mesaieed has a
fully serviced deep-water harbour which is the main terminal
for oil and LNG exportation.

The various industries in Messaieed have developed recreation
clubs for their employees and families. The nearby Messaieed
Golf Club, with its oil-on-sand course was among the first in
the country.

Sealine Beach Resort

Mesaieed borders an area of spectacular natural beauty, Khor Al
Udeid, and is surrounded by crescent-shaped barchan sand dunes.
Sealine Beach Resort lies between Messaieed and Khor Al Udeid on
a magnificent stretch of coastline.

Al-Wakrah

This booming town is located half
way between the capital and Mesaieed, about 15 km south of
Doha. It contains several traditional houses and mosques which
reflect traditional architecture. Its local museum includes
antique and enviormental artifacts. Al-Wakrah has also a harbor
for fishing boats.

Al-Zubara is one of the most important
historical towns. Located about 105 km to the north of
Doha, it houses the historical Al-Zubara
fort.
Al-Zubara is a "must"
for tourists visting Qatar.

Al-Thani family had settled down in Al-Zubara at the
beginning of 18th century before moving to Doha in mid 19th
century.

Ras Laffan

The second largest industrial center in the country. Ras
Laffan is the purpose-built industrial harbour for gas
exportation and gas liquefaction. It is located 85 km to the
north of Doha; it is considered one of the biggest
industrial cities worldwide.
Madinat Ash-Shamal

A modern town functioning as an
administrative center for a number of coastal villages in
the northern part of the country. It is 107 km away from
Doha.

Al-Khor

Al khor's
antique to

A former pearling
port, Al Khor (meaning harbour in Arabic) is a coastal town
located 57 km to the north of Doha. It is famous for its fine
beaches, mosques and old tower.

It has a local museum that houses its valuable historical
artifacts and makes Al-khor a tourist attraction.

Dukhan

Located on the
west coast about 85 km away to the north of Doha; it has come a
long way following the discovery of oil in the surrounding
fields. Dukhan has a beautiful beach which attracts locals and
guests.